広島ホームテレビ　ピタニューに取り上げられました｜「社会課題を解決する県のプロジェクト」

Eight Knot Inc. (Headquarters: Sakai City, Osaka; CEO: Yujin Kimura) is pleased to announce the completion of its Pre-Series A funding round in September 2024. Through a combination of third-party share issuance and loans from financial institutions, they have raised a total of 570 million yen. The lead investor for this round is <a href="https://spiral-cap.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spiral Innovation Partners, Inc</a><a href="https://spiral-cap.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">.</a> Additional new investors include:<ul><li><a href="https://www.techv.co.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ITOCHU Technology Ventures, Inc.</a></li><li><a href="https://qbc.co.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">QB Capital, LLC</a> and <a href="https://ncbvc.co.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NCB Venture Capital</a></li><li><a href="https://www.oli.olc.co.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Oriental Land Innovations Co., Ltd.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.kyokuyoshipyard.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kyokuyo Shipyard Corporation</a></li><li><a href="https://iwakitec.co.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IWAKITEC Co., Ltd.</a></li></ul>Further support came from <a href="https://dronefund.vc/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DRONE FUND Inc.</a>, the lead investor from the seed round. This latest round brings the total cumulative funding raised by the Company, including loans, to 760 million yen. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/5332c340772547a7ab677c4b06102474/52c58d48d28a4a4997b02b6ca6ba6420/20241015%20Pre-Series%20A%20closed%20EN.png" alt="" width="1920" height="1280"> <h3 id="h82c7a646f3">Purpose of the Fundraising&nbsp;</h3>This round of funding aims to strengthen the development team to enhance the functionality of the Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN autonomous navigation platform for small vessels, which was announced in October 2022. Additionally, it will reinforce the business development team to support business expansion.&nbsp; &nbsp; The Company plans to: Enhance the retrofit business by integrating Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN into existing small vessels, tailoring product functions for various domestic and international markets, and expanding its sales framework. Utilize the expertise gained through retrofitting to provide software solutions to marine engine manufacturers, shipyards, and boat builders both in Japan and abroad, accelerating the practical implementation of autonomous navigation technology. &nbsp; The following efforts will also be prioritized:<ul><li>Strengthening the engineering team with expertise in robotics and AI.</li><li>Recruiting personnel to boost sales activities in the domestic market.</li><li>Establishing a team to develop partnerships for overseas market expansion.</li><li>Expanding corporate teams, including HR and inventory management.</li><li>Recruiting staff to plan and execute public relations strategies and enhance PR activities.</li></ul> Recruitment information: <a href="https://www.wantedly.com/companies/eightknot" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here</a>

Eight Knot Inc. Secures 570 Million Yen in Pre-Series A Funding to Accelerate Development of Autonomous Navigation Technology

Eight Knot Inc. (Headquarters: Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture; CEO: Yujin Kimura; hereinafter referred to as "our company") is pleased to announce that on January 31, 2024, it secured funding from the Kansai Innovation Network No. 2 Investment Limited Partnership (commonly known as Innovation Fund 25Next), which is operated by Senshu Ikeda Capital Co., Ltd. and funded by The Senshu Ikeda Bank, Ltd., among others. With this funding, the total amount raised in our Pre-Series A round has reached 160 million yen. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/5332c340772547a7ab677c4b06102474/71d1cec603bc450ca5007a9b3b792770/logo%E7%84%A1%E2%80%9720240517%20Pre-Series%20A%201st%20SENSHU%20IKEDA%20CAPITAL%20JP.png" alt="" width="1920" height="1280"> Innovation Fund 25Next aims to contribute to industrial promotion by creating new businesses in the local community, thereby promoting the development of the regional economy and securing employment in Osaka and the Kansai area. The fund targets companies with technologies and business models that are expected to contribute to the goals of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, such as achieving a society that meets the SDGs and realizing Society 5.0. As a group of experts in robotics and AI, our company promotes "DX of the sea" and "robotization of ships." By implementing our autonomous navigation platform for small vessels, "AI CAPTAIN," we can support crew members, enhance safety, and optimize operational costs. Through support for our company, we can contribute to the realization of SDG 11: "Sustainable Cities and Communities," which has led to the current support from the Senshu Ikeda Bank Group through Innovation Fund 25Next. Fund Overview <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/5332c340772547a7ab677c4b06102474/0ed3a0eff38a41659af4f045d317be45/%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%202024-07-19%20164134.png" alt="" width="686" height="752">

Automated Ship Navigation Technology Development Startup Eight Knot Inc. Secures Funding from Innovation Fund 25Next Operated by Senshu Ikeda Capital Co., Ltd.

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Autonomous maritime technology startup Eight Knot Inc. to exhibit at Offshore & Port Tech 2024 in Sea Japan

Eight Knot Inc. (Headquarters: Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, CEO: Yujin Kimura, henceforth "Our Company") has successfully implemented the "Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN" autonomous navigation platform (hereafter "AI CAPTAIN") in a sea taxi specifically designed for cyclists, managed by WAKKA Inc. (Headquarters: Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, CEO: Arashi Murakami, henceforth "WAKKA"). WAKKA operates the integrated tourism facility on Omishima Island along the Shimanami Kaido. This occasion marks the second deployment of our technology aboard non-company vessels, notably being the inaugural instance for a tourism-dedicated ship. By offering select functionalities permissible within the bounds of existing legislation as "automatic piloting assist features," we aim to address the challenges maritime business operators face and foster new business opportunities.<img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/5332c340772547a7ab677c4b06102474/aee3d6536a5c4102bd403dc9858f12aa/20240305%20WAKKA%E8%89%87%E5%AE%9F%E8%A3%85%20EN_ver3.png?w=1920&amp;h=1280" alt="" width="1920" height="1280">■Background to the IntroductionDuring the fiscal year 2022, Eight Knot Inc. was selected to participate in the Ehime Prefecture's Digital Implementation Acceleration Project, "Triangle Ehime." Within this framework, we initiated a project where we leased our autonomous, small, electric (EV) boats to WAKKA for their use as sea taxis. The autonomous navigation systems of these boats operated flawlessly. Yet, we encountered specific challenges, such as the EV boats' limited power output not being sufficient to handle the strong currents around Omishima and the restricted battery capacity leading to a constrained range of navigable routes. This project received positive feedback, and consequently, we were selected again for the initiative in the fiscal year 2023. This led to the implementation of our autonomous navigation system in a sea taxi, specifically designed for cyclists and powered by an engine, owned by WAKKA. This technology allows the boat to navigate safely even in low-light conditions, facilitating the introduction of a new service offering: the Sunset Cruise, alongside the standard sea taxi services. Additionally, we hosted a showcase and trial ride event for this vessel on February 27th (Tuesday) and 28th (Wednesday), 2024, in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. ■Comments from Arashi Murakami, CEO of WAKKA Inc.: <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/5332c340772547a7ab677c4b06102474/472917f341d0413da996e17dcf4a3335/WAKKA%20PRTIMES1.jpg?w=600&amp;h=400" alt="WAKKA Inc. CEO Arashi Murakami" width="600" height="400">WAKKA Inc. CEO Arashi Murakami<img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/5332c340772547a7ab677c4b06102474/c7397e999b7040fc957c41ce6d3f3d03/WAKKA%20PRTIMES2.jpg?w=600&amp;h=400" alt=" Operating the autonomous navigation system using a monitor" width="600" height="400">Operating the autonomous navigation system using a monitor-The current challenges include the reduction or discontinuation of ferry services to isolated islands, primarily due to labor shortages and the scarcity of successors. Autonomous navigation technology offers a solution to mitigate these issues, at least in part.-With autonomous navigation technology, a ship can autonomously maintain its course and direction, thereby expanding the capabilities of a single captain. For instance, the technology enables the ship to autonomously navigate, allowing the captain to undertake additional tasks such as serving drinks or anchoring at precise locations for fishing activities. ■Scenes from the unveiling ceremony and ride experience eventHeld on February 27 (Tuesday) and 28 (Wednesday), 2024, at the facilities of WAKKA Inc. in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, it was attended by media personnel, maritime operators, local government officials, and others from within Ehime Prefecture and beyond.<img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/5332c340772547a7ab677c4b06102474/82b26a8e4c914693a561d99896d0ee9b/WAKKA%20PRTIMES3.jpg?w=600&amp;h=400" alt="" width="600" height="400">Scenes from the ride experience event<img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/5332c340772547a7ab677c4b06102474/da8db33539ad45e59f5d8be83bdf0f48/WAKKA%20PRTIMES4.jpg?w=600&amp;h=400" alt="" width="600" height="400">Presentation at the venue◯Participant Comments:-The experience was nearly indistinguishable from being piloted by a human, with minimal discomfort.-The mere presence of autonomous navigation technology in a ship is intriguing.-Autonomous navigation in ships, once thought to be a concept for the far future, now seems within reach.-The visual display of obstacles detected by sensors onscreen enhances safety by providing a reassuring layer of security.-The advancement of technology to this point is astonishing. I eagerly anticipate its continued growth within the maritime sector.-The implementation of this technology on an engine-powered boat opens up the possibility of adopting it for our fleet. ■About Eight Knot Inc. Eight Knot, a consortium of experts in robotics and AI, specializes in the development of autonomous navigation technology for small vessels. Our mission is to drive digital transformation and automation in the maritime sector, providing innovative solutions to address pressing societal issues. Our goal is to enhance accessibility in water transportation by leveraging autonomous navigation technology. This enables us to provide crew support, improve vessel safety, and optimize operating costs. Our vision is to pave the way for a new era of maritime operations, where automation and safety are not mutually exclusive, but collaboratively lead to improved efficiency and sustainability. Company InformationCompany Name: Eight Knot Inc.Established: March 8, 2021Officers: Representative Director CEO Yujin Kimura, Director CTO Tomoaki Yokoyama, External Director Kazutaka YomogitaHead Office : Room 313, S-Cube Main Building, 130-42 Nagasone-cho, Kita Ward, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture 591-8025Tokyo Office : Center of Garage, 1-16-3, Yokokawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0003Hiroshima Office : Room 405, HIOS HIROSHIMA, 7-1 Hatchōbori, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0013Business Content: Development of autonomous navigation technology for small vessels, development of on-demand water transportation systems.Website: https://8kt.jp/enTwitter: @8ktjpFacebook：https://www.facebook.com/8ktjpLinkedIn：https://www.linkedin.com/company/8kt/

Autonomous Maritime Tech Startup Eight Knot Inc. First Installs "AI CAPTAIN" Autonomous Navigation Platform on a Tourist Boat in the Seto Inland Sea

Eight Knot Inc.&nbsp;is announcing that our CEO, Yujin Kimura has been selected for the France course of “J-StarX,” overseas dispatch program in France from 2023/10/19～11/10. We have been evaluated based on the domestic program and examination, to have high potential for future growth overseas. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/5332c340772547a7ab677c4b06102474/db4ce25bddc64d71afda1e423835cf71/20230921%20J-StarX.png" alt="" width="1920" height="1280"> ■Dispatch details&nbsp;Course：France CourseDispatch Period：2023/10/29～11/10Dispatch Destination：France at STATION FCourse Overview：【France Course】This course is mainly for pre-seed and seed-stage startups, to cultivate networks and knowledge for expansion and further growth in France/Europe at STATION F, the incubation facility located in France. The country has seen a rapid increase from one unicorn company in 2016 to 25 by 2022. A key driver of this growth is STATION F, an incubation facility that was converted from a railroad warehouse, that houses 1,000 startups and provides access to the assets and VCs of HEC, one of the country's leading graduate schools of management. During the program, participants will be housed here to take advantage of the facility's assets while attending lectures at HEC to gain clues on how to grow their businesses. We will actively build partnerships to expand our business in the French market in the future. Boating culture is deeply rooted in France, especially in the south, and we expect that the introduction of the system in this region will create new value for many businesses through the use of technology. In addition, river transportation is already actively used in Paris and there is an emerging market. This will allow us to explore new possibilities for transportation in urban areas. ■About “J-StarX” J-StarX is an entrepreneurship development and overseas dispatch program sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. J-StarX provides aspiring entrepreneurs with opportunities to connect with and learn from the world’s top players and encourages them to take on new challenges in order to produce entrepreneurs who will be active on the global stage. Through this program, we aim to create a future where stars are born in Japan, by creating an ecosystem where anyone can take on challenges. Web &amp; SNS&nbsp;Official website: https://j-starx.jp/&nbsp;Twitter: https://twitter.com/JStarX_&nbsp;Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/J-StarX-102953242823800&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jstarx_/&nbsp;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/j-starx/&nbsp; Structure&nbsp;Host organization: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan&nbsp;Management organization: Deloitte Tohmatsu Venture Support Co, Ltd.&nbsp; ■About Eight Knot Inc. Eight Knot, a consortium of experts in robotics and AI, specializes in the development of autonomous navigation technology for small vessels. Our mission is to drive digital transformation and automation in the maritime sector, providing innovative solutions to address pressing societal issues. Our goal is to enhance accessibility in water transportation by leveraging autonomous navigation technology. This enables us to provide crew support, improve vessel safety, and optimize operating costs. Our vision is to pave the way for a new era of maritime operations, where automation and safety are not mutually exclusive, but collaboratively lead to improved efficiency and sustainability. Company InformationCompany Name: Eight Knot Inc.Established: March 8, 2021Officers: Representative Director CEO Yujin Kimura, Director CTO Tomoaki Yokoyama, External Director Kazutaka YomogitaHead Office : Room 313, S-Cube Main Building, 130-42 Nagasone-cho, Kita Ward, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture 591-8025Tokyo Office : Center of Garage, 1-16-3, Yokokawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0003Hiroshima Office : Room 405, HIOS HIROSHIMA, 7-1 Hatchōbori, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0013Business Content: Development of autonomous navigation technology for small vessels, development of on-demand water transportation systems.Website: https://8kt.jp/enTwitter: @8ktjpFacebook：https://www.facebook.com/8ktjpLinkedIn：https://www.linkedin.com/company/8kt/ ■Inquiries regarding this projectJ-StarX management team email: J-StarX@tohmatsu.co.jp ■Inquiries on this matterEight Knot Inc.Email：info@8kt.jp

広島ホームテレビ ピタニューに取り上げられました｜「社会課題を解決する県のプロジェクト」

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広島ホームテレビ　ピタニューに取り上げられました｜「社会課題を解決する県のプロジェクト」